Character Study: Shuri

The Black Panther himself isn’t the only reason I’m eagerly awaiting the the live action film when it hits theaters in 2018.

Although T’Challa in action is more than reason enough.

The opportunity to see the mythical land of Wakanda, and the fiercely “Adored Ones,” the Dora Milaje, on the big screen is also well worth the price of admission alone.

But as the Captain America, Iron Man and Thor films have illustrated, the supporting players, (Falcon, Bucky Barnes, War Machine, and Lady Sif) will also get an opportunity to take center stage.

This is why I’m hoping T’Challa’s younger sister and fellow Black Panther, Shuri has a featured role in the film.

Much like her brother, Shuri is a prodigy who has been raised from birth to be the pinnacle of excellence. Whether it’s literature, politics, or combat, there are very few things Shuri doesn’t easily excel at.

However in terms of personality, the two royal siblings couldn’t be more opposite. Where T’Challa is reserved and methodical, Shuri is often impetuous and quick tempered. Coveting the Black Panther mantle since she was a child, a part of Shuri has resented T’Challa who she believed was the favored child.

However when T’Challa is seriously wounded in an assassination attempt, Shuri assumes the role of the Black Panther and Wakanda’s ruler.

In the comics Shuri eventually evolved from T’Challa’s brash and hotheaded baby sister to a powerful and mature warrior queen.

Shuri would definitely be a great addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe and there are a plethora of storytelling opportunities with her in play. Besides, given that Thanos is inevitably planning to invade Earth, the Avengers can use all of the help they can get and having two Black Panthers on deck certainly wouldn’t hurt matters.

Is it 2018 yet?

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Published by Dennis R. Upkins

Speculative Fiction Novelist. Author of Hollowstone, West of Sunset and other cool stories.
Wordsmith, activist and nerd seraph. Saving the world and/or taking it over.
http://www.dennisupkins.wordpress.com
View all posts by Dennis R. Upkins

5 comments

I will have to familiarize myself more with Shuri. I must admit, Black Panther is the draw for me and the whole Vibranium “steel” origin country of Wakanda. I wonder how he will be received though? I mention this because of the recent flap over the Beyonce half time show featuring the quasi-Black Pantherettes.

Perhaps, Bey should have been a little more stealth and gone DEEP by having her back up dancer dressed like Shuri the superhero and all they would have perceived were sleek, sexy albeit powerful dancers because the connection would have went right over their heads.

I just love code presentations. LOL

Back to Shuri, the character, I will check her out more and thank you for the enlightenment and the possibilities!